03.06.06. Appendix VI
Part VI
Jihad
No attempt has been made in FOCUS ON THE MIDDLE EAST to distinguish between the different branches of Islam (there are actually over one hundred fifty different sects altogether). Sunni and Shi’ite divisions form the two main branches, with the Sunni branch being, by far, the larger of the two. The Sunnis are generally more moderate than the Shi’ites in their approach to matters, though both can be quite militant; and the Sunni and Shi’ite branches have differences of a nature which often result in open conflict between the two. However, despite these differences, or differences between any of the Islamic sects, basic Islamic ideology permeates all branches. All are anti-Jewish, anti-Christian, anti-Western, and, as a whole, dedicated to world dominion, beginning with the land of Palestine in the Middle East.
The means to bring this about, -- Jihad (Holy War) -- is, correspondingly, also present in all branches of Islam, though some Moslems view the matter in a more moderate sense than others (some even go so far as to view Jihad as no more than an internal religious struggle for the individual Moslem, a thought not really in line with basic Islamic ideology regarding Jihad).
The Koran and the example set by Mohammed present Jihad after the same fashion. The Koran urges all Moslems to war against unbelievers "until idolatry is no more and Allah’s religion reigns supreme." And Mohammed is looked upon as the one setting the example by his many battles and victories recorded in the Hadith (Islamic oral tradition of Mohammed’s actions and sayings).
Islam, with its Jihad, has long been known as "the religion of the sword"; but Jihad today is waged more by the power of "oil" than anything else, for the Moslem nations have in their possession something far more powerful than any sword wielded against unbelievers by their ancestors. And, through the use of this weapon (which they believe "Allah" has given to them for the purpose at hand), their long-range goal is an on-going "holy war" which will last until the entire world is brought under Islamic dominion and control.
With reference to Jihad, one other thing should be noted in closing. Some individual Moslems shun violent actions today, even toward the Jewish people; but they do this in spite of what their religious faith teaches, not because of it.